Here's what you need to know when driving in New Mexico
Across the Land of Enchantment, there are 142,940 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance
What's the cheapest car insurance in New Mexico?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safeco | $994 |
| 2 | USAA | $1,023 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,063 |
| 4 | Allied | $1,246 |
| 5 | Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $1,254 |
| 6 | Dairyland | $1,320 |
| 7 | The Hartford | $1,339 |
| 8 | GEICO | $1,423 |
| 9 | Central Mutual Insurance Co | $1,454 |
| 10 | Progressive | $1,514 |
| 11 | Cal Casualty | $1,607 |
| 12 | MetLife | $1,610 |
| 13 | Metropolitan | $1,694 |
| 14 | Farmers | $1,866 |
| 15 | Allstate | $2,586 |
| 16 | Encompass | $4,496 |
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Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in New Mexico
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. New Mexico drivers without a recent moving violation can save 15% on their car insurance premiums, on average — compared to the national average of 17%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $247 | 15.78% |
| No Accidents | $655 | 33.19% |
| Good Credit | $879 | 40.01% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in New Mexico
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In New Mexico, the typical teen driver pays $4,996 per year, which aligns closely with the national average for all teen drivers.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $5,147 | $6,861 |
| 17 | $4,920 | $6,028 |
| 18 | $4,636 | $5,093 |
| 19 | $4,144 | $3,144 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in New Mexico
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 34% after a DUI, 33% after an at-fault accident, and 15% after a speeding ticket in New Mexico. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies after DUI violations and at-fault accidents in New Mexico align with nationwide averages, but drivers enjoy lower-than-average rate hikes after speeding tickets. If you have a clean driving record, be sure to check for good-driving discounts from your insurer.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,972 | 33.19% |
| DUI | $2,017 | 34.68% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,564 | 15.78% |
| Bad Credit | $2,196 | 40.01% |
What are the best car insurance companies in New Mexico?
Each car insurer emphasizes its low premiums. But as with any product or service, the cheapest car insurance isn't always the best choice. Considering the financial stakes, it's worth doing your homework to find an auto policy that will cover your car completely after an incident. Hunt for the best value, instead of settling for the cheapest auto insurance you can find.
Compare major auto insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better predict the quality of service you'll receive. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Superior" to "Poor" — assesses an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Cal Casualty | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Central Mutual | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Encompass | Not Rated | Superior |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| Safeco | 3 | Excellent |
| Sentry | Not Rated | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| The Hartford | 4 | Excellent |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What car insurance coverage should you get in New Mexico?
The minimum required insurance level in New Mexico is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $10,000 Property Damage per accident.
For the legal minimum coverage level in New Mexico, expect to pay an average of $609 each year. This average cost is cheaper than the U.S. average by 7%. If you opt for better coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car collisions, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. Better auto insurance comes at a cost: in New Mexico, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible runs $1,188, 95% more than liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 119% more than you might for a liability-only policy.
Compare usual premiums for basic, better, and best coverage levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| New Mexico | $609.20 | $1,188.40 | $1,333.94 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car insurance laws in NM
State minimum insurance requirements in New Mexico
In New Mexico, drivers are required to maintain liability insurance coverage at or above the below levels:
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $10,000 per accident
Optional coverage in New Mexico (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
New Mexico car insurance FAQs
Is New Mexico a no-fault state for car insurance?
No. New Mexico is an at-fault state, meaning all drivers are responsible for any damage they cause.
Do you need car liability insurance in New Mexico?
Yes. Car insurance is a legal requirement in New Mexico if you have a vehicle registered and parked on public streets.
What car insurance is needed in New Mexico?
You need to maintain at least the state's minimum requirements of 25/50/10 coverage. If you have a loan or lease on the vehicle, you may need to purchase additional coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in New Mexico cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and the most expensive in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albuquerque | $1,556 |
| 2 | Rio Rancho | $1,432 |
| 3 | Espanola | $1,429 |
| 4 | Lovington | $1,414 |
| 5 | Hobbs | $1,408 |
| 6 | Carlsbad | $1,383 |
| 7 | Santa Fe | $1,356 |
| 8 | Roswell | $1,355 |
| 9 | Las Vegas | $1,342 |
| 10 | Artesia | $1,326 |
| 11 | Chaparral | $1,285 |
| 12 | Sunland Park | $1,281 |
| 13 | Los Alamos | $1,277 |
| 14 | Anthony | $1,259 |
| 15 | Gallup | $1,247 |
| 16 | Portales | $1,232 |
| 17 | Las Cruces | $1,216 |
| 18 | Farmington | $1,210 |
| 19 | Silver City | $1,195 |
| 20 | Deming | $1,165 |
| 21 | Alamogordo | $1,136 |
Recent New Mexico Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can insurers share claim payout information?
The C.L.U.E. report is used by many insurance companies to report claims.
Can insured party use their own coverage after not-at-fault accident?
I don't really have any resources for you. The uninsured driver who is at fault in the accident will be responsible for the damages.
If I started a claim with my insurance company but later decided to settle out of pocket with the other driver, will my rate still be impacted?
Unfortunately once the insurance company has been notified of a crash the information will be documented on the CLUE report of the driver involved in the accident. Since there is no way to say with any certainty how the incident will impact your rate, as that decision is ultimately up to Geico, proceeding with the claim or dropping it will not change the end result concerning your rate.
Will my rate go up for filing a claim even if I have accident forgiveness?
It really will depend on how your previous accident was categorized. If you were considered to be at fault in the previous crash then your accident forgiveness was likely used during that particular claim.
Driving laws
New Mexico Texting and Driving Laws
- Ban on hand-held cell phones in State vehicles
- Ban on all cell phones for drivers with Permit or Provisional Licenses
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
New Mexico DUI Laws
There is a 10-year lookback period in New Mexico. Multiple DWI offenses in this timeframe result in longer and harsher penalties.
The first three DWI offenses in New Mexico are misdemeanors. Any DWI offenses after the third are considered felonies.
In addition, it is possible to commit an “aggravated DWI” in New Mexico. If a driver’s BAC is 0.16% or higher, additional mandatory jail time will be added to their sentence.
First-time DWI offenses in New Mexico lead to:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- License revocation for six months to one year
- Must install and use an ignition interlock device for one year
- Mandatory alcohol evaluation
- Mandatory attendance in DWI school
- Mandatory 24 hours of community service
- Possibility of a discretionary $300 fine
- Possible requirement to submit to treatment
How do tickets impact New Mexico auto insurance rates?
If you get a ticket, your car insurance rates will probably rise. By how much depends on the severity of the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance risks and regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a snapshot of average car insurance rates in New Mexico after a few common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $2,239 | 66% | $887 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,054 | 52% | $703 |
| DUI | $2,054 | 52% | $703 |
| Racing | $1,966 | 45% | $615 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,028 | 50% | $676 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $1,929 | 43% | $578 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,927 | 43% | $575 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,598 | 18% | $246 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,717 | 27% | $365 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,712 | 27% | $361 |
| Improper Passing | $1,684 | 25% | $332 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,684 | 25% | $332 |
| Speeding | $1,615 | 19% | $263 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,684 | 25% | $332 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,685 | 25% | $334 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,684 | 25% | $332 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,684 | 25% | $332 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,649 | 22% | $297 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,648 | 22% | $296 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,663 | 23% | $312 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,470 | 9% | $119 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,470 | 9% | $119 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,480 | 9% | $128 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,470 | 9% | $119 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,470 | 9% | $119 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,440 | 6% | $88 |
New Mexico Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the New Mexico area, while also getting an insider view of the Land of Enchantment.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.